How Does Partners Group Holding Company Work?

The firm employs a robust investment approach focused on identifying leading companies with significant growth potential. A key element is its 'relative value' strategy, which involves in-depth analysis of sectors and industries to pinpoint attractive opportunities.

Partners Group's dedicated 'Industry Value Creation' (IVC) teams collaborate closely with the management of portfolio companies. Their focus is on driving operational improvements and strategic initiatives, such as expansion, enhancing efficiency, and facilitating digital transformation.

With approximately 1,800 professionals spread across 21 offices globally, the firm leverages deep industry expertise and a strong local presence. This extensive network is crucial for its operational effectiveness and deal sourcing capabilities.

The company's supply chain and distribution networks are designed to offer tailored private market portfolio solutions. Strategic partnerships, such as the one with BlackRock announced in December 2024, are key to expanding its investor base, particularly for its evergreen products.

In 2024, Partners Group acquired Empira, a real estate investment platform, set to add USD 4 billion to its Assets under Management (AuM) by 2025, with potential growth to USD 14 billion. Additionally, a December 2024 collaboration with BlackRock established a joint platform for private market access, aiming to expand the investor base for Partners Group's evergreen products through BlackRock's extensive distribution network.

The firm introduced royalties as its fifth asset class in 2024 and bolstered its growth equity strategies, with a focus on healthcare and technology sectors. Investment activity surged by over 60% in 2024, with USD 22 billion committed globally across private markets, while realizations reached USD 18 billion, a 53% increase from the previous year.

Partners Group's competitive edge is built on its strong brand, operational expertise, and a diversified investment platform. The company champions a 'transformational investing' philosophy, emphasizing active, long-term ownership to generate value.

In a 'higher-for-longer' interest rate environment, Partners Group prioritizes operational enhancements over financial engineering. The firm is also leveraging innovation in AI and data analytics to refine its investment strategies, ensuring continued relevance and performance in evolving market conditions.

As of early 2025, Partners Group manages over USD 150 billion in assets, with this figure reaching USD 152 billion by the close of 2024. By June 30, 2025, assets under management (AuM) stood at USD 174 billion, boosted by new client commitments and the acquisition of Empira Group. The firm is strategically positioned to become one of the top five global active private markets managers by fee-paying AuM and market capitalization, projecting the industry to more than double in size over the next decade and aiming for over USD 450 billion in AuM by 2033.

The firm faces several risks, including market volatility, geopolitical instability, and shifting macroeconomic conditions that can impact transaction volumes. A sustained period of higher interest rates necessitates a greater emphasis on operational improvements and value creation within portfolio companies, moving beyond purely financial engineering. While private credit is a growth area, increased default rates could present challenges for direct lenders. Additionally, evolving regulatory landscapes and the emergence of new competitors are ongoing concerns for Partners Group operations.

Looking forward, Partners Group is focused on strengthening its transformational investing platform and expanding its bespoke mandate and evergreen fund offerings. The company anticipates total new client assets between USD 26 billion and USD 31 billion for the entirety of 2025, with USD 4 billion attributed to the Empira Group acquisition. The firm is also broadening its growth equity strategy, targeting high-growth sectors such as healthcare and technology, and has ventured into the royalties market. This expansion aligns with their goal of enhancing their investment management capabilities.

Sustainability is a core component of Partners Group's strategy, with a commitment to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its investment practices. The company has established a net-zero strategy with interim targets for 2030 and aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire AuM by 2050. This focus on responsible investing complements its aggressive growth targets and strategic expansion into new markets and asset classes, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to asset management.